Addison's Disease: The Potentially Life-Threatening Tan

Addison's disease is a potentially life-threatening endocrine disorder. The classic dermatologic sign of Addison's disease is diffuse hyperpigmentation of the skin with focal hyperpigmentation of scars, nails, and the oral mucosa. Recognition of these dermatologic manifestations in a patient with otherwise vague constitutional symptoms warrants a consideration of Addison's disease.